THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- Compare actual business activity with the policy description.
- The 14-day period runs from knowledge of a fact that qualifies as increased risk under the law.
- Request an assessment and check the response; sending notice does not prove acceptance of new terms.
When the notification duty applies
Article 93 of the insurance contract regime requires the policyholder or insured to notify the insurer within 14 days of learning of circumstances that increase the risk and that, if known at inception, could have influenced the decision to insure or the contract terms. Those are the criteria that need assessment.
As a practical preparation method, clarify planned changes before introducing them whenever possible. This allows the project to be compared with the contract without using the legal period as a reason to postpone a conversation already needed.
What Nuno needs to explain
Fictional Bairro Seguro example: Nuno Patrício plans to start serving meals prepared in a new kitchen at his café. The investment strains cash flow, and he initially thinks only of adding the equipment cost to the sum insured. Clara Mota raises another question: does the proposal still describe what the business will do?
Nuno lists the previous and planned activities, equipment, energy sources, layout, works, safety measures and expected start date. He marks what still needs technical assessment. This is an information-organising method, not a replacement for licensing, design or safety requirements.
What may follow notification
Article 93 allows the insurer, within 30 days of learning of the increased risk, to propose a contract amendment. The policyholder has an equal period to accept or refuse; when it expires, the proposed amendment is deemed approved. The insurer may also terminate if it demonstrates that it never contracts risks with the resulting characteristics. Do not ignore a proposal received.
Ask for the decision, relevant date and applicable terms to be identified. Check the business description and updated documents. A sent email or service reference does not, by itself, confirm that the new risk has been accepted.
If damage occurs in the meantime
Article 94 distinguishes notification, the increased risk’s influence on the loss and the policyholder’s or insured’s conduct, with different consequences and specific conditions. A change in business activity is not an automatic rule of full payment or refusal.
Report the occurrence through the applicable procedure, keep the earlier notification and provide the true chronology. Do not retrospectively change the description to match the paperwork. To review future protection, select MR Empresarial in “Request a quote” on the RMACHADO website; for a loss already sustained, use Policy and claims support.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- Compare current and planned activity with the insurance description.
- Collect changes, dates and technical points still requiring clarification.
- Notify the insurer of a qualifying increase in risk and keep evidence.
- Read the response and check terms, deadlines and updated documents.
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
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Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Content updated on .
Consultation dates are stated in individual references when available.
Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.